Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

David Krejci joined the Trinec team prior to the 9th grade. He played his midget and early junior days for Trinec before switching to the Kladno team before the 2003-04 season. Krejci performed at many tournaments on the international stage, including the 2004 Under-18 WJC and a three-game series against Finland for the Czech Under-19 team.

2003-04: Krejci played for Kladno during 2003-04 and put up 60 points (23 goals, 37 assists) and 37 penalty minutes in 50 games.

2004-05: He joined the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL for the 2004-05 season, where he finished as the second highest scoring player on the team. He was a first round selection for the Olympiques (6th overall) in the 2004 CHL European Entry Draft and also part of the bronze medal winning Czech team in the 2005 World Junior Competition.

2005-06: Krejci completed his second year in the QMJHL with another impressive run for Gatineau, where he served as one of the team’s captains. Despite some injury troubles earlier in the season, Krejci managed to put together a strong 55-game campaign where he totaled 81 points. He posted 16 power-play goals, five game winners and ranked 13th among all centers in the league. Krejci also participated in the 2006 IIHF U20 World Junior Championship. Though the Czech Republic was unable to finish in the top three, Krejci compiled a total of six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in six games

Krejci signed a three-year contract with the Bruins in 2006.2006-07: Already on his way to a successful rookie season in the AHL, Krejci took over the reins as the leading scorer following the departure of Kris Versteeg. He averaged more than a point per game, finished out the regular season ranked third among all rookies in the league. He consistently brought a high level of competition, no matter the opposition, and had a strong physical element to his game. He scored seven power-play goals and led the team with three shortanded. Krejci was also named rookie of the year for Providence.

2007-08: Krejci earned a spot on Boston’s roster out of training camp, but struggled to produce offensively in the early half of the season. He was sent to Providence to regain his confidence, and after producing more than a point per game he returned to Boston. Krejci improved incrementally with the big club, but it wasn’t until the end of the season that he would shine. He earned the opportunity to center the top line when Marc Savard went down to injury, where he played with poise and demonstrated his exceptional playmaking abilities. He was a key player in Boston’s brief postseason run versus the Montreal Canadiens.

Talent Analysis

Krejci won't be a huge physical presence, but still shows that he isn't afraid of taking a hit to make a play. He drives hard to the net and is willing to dig for the pucks in corners. Krejci's strongest asset is his elite skill. He possesses soft hands and is is a smooth puckhandler. Krejci is adequate in the faceoff circle and is a solid stickhandler. Krejci has very good shooting skills, with a highly accurate wrist shot. He has good vision and hockey sense and makes smart, crisp passes. Krejci generally makes good decisions with the puck and is an excellent playmaker. He isn't afraid of playing in heavy traffic and shows remarkable poise once on a scoring chance. The defensive side of Krejci's game is about average, he won't hurt you defensively, but also won't rule as a backchecking forward. Krejci also owns a tremendous work ethic.

Future

Krejci has excelled at every level he's played, and should continue to thrive at the next level. A hard-working, playmaking center, he has the ability to play on one of the top two lines in the NHL.